Austin Theft Defense Attorney

Are you facing charges for a crime that involves theft? An Austin theft crime lawyer from Law Office of Alejandro Martinez, PLLC will fight to defend you against the charges.

Theft Crimes in Austin, TX

The Texas Penal Code has a wide range of criminal statutes that prohibit damaging or depriving another person of his or her property. This includes theft by false pretext, theft from a person, shoplifting, acquisition of property by threat, embezzlement, extortion, receiving or concealing embezzled property and receiving or concealing stolen property.

A conviction for theft or a property crime not only carries the possibility of jail time and fines - it can leave you with a criminal record with serious repercussions. These types of crimes are considered crimes of moral turpitude which brands you as untrustworthy. This can result in an inability to pursue certain jobs or professions, ineligibility to be admitted to certain colleges or graduate schools, an inability to obtain funding from lenders and can make finding employment extremely difficult in general.

Austin theft defense lawyer

If you have been charged with theft or a property crime in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop or Caldwell County contact Law Office of Alejandro Martinez, PLLC to help create your best defense and avoid the most serious repercussions of you alleged crime. This includes the cities Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, Killeen, Temple, San Marcos, Bastrop, Lockhart and surrounding areas.

theft charges in the texas penal code

Some of the most commonly charged theft offenses in Texas include, but are not limited to:

Theft / Retail Theft / Shoplifting - Tex. Penal Code § 31.03

An individual can be charged with this offense if they unlawfully take a person’s property with the intent to deprive them of their property without their consent. A conviction for this offense is punishable as a Class C, B or A misdemeanor, state jail felony, third degree felony, second degree felony or first degree felony, depending on the value of the property or services stolen.

Carjacking – Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle - Tex. Penal Code § 31.07

An individual can be charged with this offense if they intentionally or knowingly operate another person’s boat, airplane or motor vehicle without their consent. This offense is punishable as a state jail felony.

Robbery - Tex. Penal Code § 29.02

An individual can be charged with this offense if they intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person during the commission of a theft offense, or intentionally or knowingly threaten another person or cause them to fear bodily injury or death during the commission of a theft. This offense is punishable as a second degree felony.

Aggravated Robbery - Tex. Penal Code § 29.03

An individual can be charged with this offense if they commit a robbery and:

Cause serious bodily injury to another person,

Use a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense, or

Cause bodily injury or fear of injury or death to an elderly or disabled person.

This offense is punishable as a felony of the first degree.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in austin

Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code defines the penalties for many theft crimes in Texas. These penalties can vary depending on the value of the property taken, whether a weapon was used to commit the offense, the age of the victim and whether the alleged offender has any previous criminal history.

Anyone who has been convicted of a Class C misdemeanor theft offense can receive a fine up to $500.

Anyone who has been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor theft offense can receive a jail sentence up to 180 days and/or fine up to $2,000.

Anyone who has been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor theft offense can receive a jail sentence up to one year and/or fine up to $4,000.

Anyone who has been convicted of a state jail felony theft offense can receive a jail sentence from 18 days to two years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Anyone who has been convicted of a third degree felony theft offense can receive a prison sentence ranging from two to five years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Anyone who has been convicted of a second degree felony theft offense can receive a prison sentence from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Anyone who has been convicted of a first degree felony theft offense can receive a prison sentence ranging from five years to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Resources for Theft Crimes in austin

Texas Penal Code – This link is to Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, which contains many of the state’s laws regarding theft offenses. This chapter defines all prohibited theft, shoplifting, carjacking and related crimes and the penalties for committing such offenses.

Kleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous – CASA is a national organization that allows individuals who are suffering from an addictive-compulsive behavior to meet with others who have dealt with the same type of behavior and help these individuals find effective ways to treat their addiction.

National Association for Shoplifting Prevention – NASP is a national non-profit organization that seeks to prevent shoplifting by researching and exploring new shoplifting prevention methods, working with government officials to find ways to stop shoplifting, and developing programs aimed at preventing shoplifting.

Because of the harsh consequences that stem from a theft conviction, it is important that you contact an experienced defense attorney. Law Office of Alejandro Martinez, PLLC will do everything possible to have your charges reduced or your case dismissed. Alternatively, a deferred adjudication may be your best option, as you can petition for a non-disclosure to erase your criminal record after your probation is successfully completed.

ContactLaw Office of Alejandro Martinez, PLLC, an experienced Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer to determine the best strategy for you.